Dreamy Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Dessert lovers swoon over this decadent cinnamon roll cheesecake that blends classic bakery magic with creamy indulgence.
Sweet spirals of cinnamon weave through rich, velvety cheesecake layers, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Each slice promises a delightful dance of warm spices and smooth cream cheese.
The buttery graham cracker crust provides a perfect foundation for this dreamy dessert.
Swirls of cinnamon sugar mingle with tangy cream cheese, offering a luxurious twist on two beloved treats.
Drizzled with luscious cream cheese icing, this cheesecake elevates weekend baking to an art form.
You won’t be able to resist a second slice of this irresistible bakery-style dessert.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
Calories: 270 kcal
Servings: 11
What Goes In Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake With Cream Cheese Icing
For Crust:
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Creates a buttery, crunchy foundation that complements the creamy cheesecake filling.
Unsalted Butter: Binds the crumbs together and adds rich, golden flavor to the base.
Granulated Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps the crust hold its shape.
For Cheesecake Filling:
Cream Cheese: Provides the signature tangy, smooth texture that defines a classic cheesecake.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the tanginess of cream cheese and adds sweetness.
Large Eggs: Help bind the filling and create a silky, custardy consistency.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture, tanginess, and helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking.
Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
For Cinnamon Swirl and Topping:
Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, caramel-like sweetness with deep molasses undertones.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy complexity and signature cinnamon roll flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Helps create a smooth, spreadable cinnamon mixture.
Powdered Sugar: Ensures a smooth, glossy icing with the perfect drizzling consistency.
Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy base for the creamy, luxurious icing.
Whole Milk: Adjusts the icing's thickness and adds a subtle richness.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the icing with a classic, comforting flavor.
Tools For Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake With Cream Cheese Icing
Springform pan: Essential for removing cheesecake without breaking it.
Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining cheesecake filling ingredients smoothly.
Electric mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese and creating creamy texture.
Small mixing bowl: Ideal for preparing cinnamon swirl mixture.
Baking sheet: Provides stability and catches any potential drips during baking.
Knife or toothpick: Great for creating beautiful swirl patterns in the cheesecake.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
Steps To Make Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake With Cream Cheese Icing
Graham Cracker Foundation Cozy layer pressed into a springform pan, creating a buttery, crumbly bottom for our delightful dessert. Bake this foundation until golden and let it cool completely.
Creamy Cheesecake Landscape Silky smooth mixture blending together until perfectly velvety. Each ingredient whispers softness and richness, promising a luxurious texture that melts on your tongue.
Cinnamon Swirl Magic Warm and inviting brown sugar mixture dancing through the creamy landscape. Gentle swirls create a mesmerizing marble effect that hints at delicious surprises.
Baking Rhythm Gentle oven warmth transforms the raw ingredients into a dreamy dessert. Watch as the edges set while the center remains tantalizingly soft, promising a perfect consistency.
Cooling Sanctuary Patient resting allows the cheesecake to settle and develop deep, complex flavors. Refrigeration helps the cake transform into a firm, luscious masterpiece.
Frosting Finale Smooth cream cheese topping cascades over the chilled cake, adding a final layer of decadent sweetness. Drizzle or spread with playful abandon, creating your personal dessert artwork.
Tips To Upgrade Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake With Cream Cheese Icing
No-Crack Baking Technique: Use a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to create even, gentle heat that prevents surface cracking and ensures smooth texture.
Flavor Boost Option: Sprinkle extra ground cinnamon or add a teaspoon of cinnamon extract to the cheesecake batter for an intensified warm, spicy undertone that complements the classic cinnamon roll profile.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham-style crackers or almond flour to make the entire dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste or texture.
Make-Ahead Magic: This cheesecake can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining or special occasion planning.
Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia in equal measurements to create a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the delicious cinnamon roll cheesecake experience.
How To Serve Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake With Cream Cheese Icing
Breakfast Companion: Pair this decadent cheesecake with a hot cup of coffee or freshly brewed tea to balance the sweet richness.
Weekend Brunch Star: Serve alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad to add a refreshing contrast to the creamy dessert.
Elegant Presentation: Garnish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon or sprinkle of chopped pecans to enhance the visual appeal and add a delightful crunch.
Celebration Centerpiece: Perfect for special occasions like birthdays or holiday gatherings, this cheesecake will definitely impress your guests with its stunning marbled appearance and luxurious flavor profile.
Store Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake With Cream Cheese Icing Right
Fridge Storage Magic: Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, ensuring the delicate texture stays creamy and delicious.
Make-Ahead Masterstroke: Prepare the entire cheesecake 1-2 days before serving, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile. The advance preparation helps intensify the cinnamon and cream cheese notes.
Freezing Finesse: Slice the cheesecake into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cheesecake can last up to 2 months, perfect for future sweet cravings.
Temperature TLC: Always bring refrigerated cheesecake to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This gentle warming helps restore the smooth, velvety texture and enhances the overall flavor experience.
Creamy cinnamon roll cheesecake blends classic bakery comfort with luxurious dessert elegance. Rich layers of sweet cinnamon swirl and smooth cream cheese icing create a memorable indulgence you’ll savor to the last delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
3 x 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1 cup (120 ml) sour cream
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsps granulated sugar
⅓ cup (75 g) light brown sugar, packed
2 tsps ground cinnamon
2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
2 tbsps unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tbsps milk (to desired consistency)
Instructions
Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers with melted butter and sugar, pressing firmly into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 325F (165C) for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
Cheesecake Filling: Whip cream cheese and sugar until silky. Integrate eggs one at a time, then fold in sour cream and vanilla extract until perfectly smooth.
Cinnamon Swirl Creation: Blend brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter into a rich, aromatic mixture.
Layering Technique: Pour half the cheesecake filling over the crust, drizzle with cinnamon mixture, and use a knife to create elegant marble patterns. Repeat the layering process for a stunning visual effect.
Baking Process: Place springform pan on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes. Seek set edges with a slight center wobble. Turn off oven, crack the door, and allow gradual cooling for one hour to prevent surface cracking.
Chilling Stage: Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight to develop optimal flavor and texture.
Cream Cheese Icing: Whip cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla. Adjust consistency with milk to achieve perfect drizzling texture.
Final Presentation: Generously coat the chilled cheesecake with cream cheese icing, slice, and serve to reveal the beautiful cinnamon-swirled interior.
Notes
Prevent Crust Crumbling: Mix graham cracker crumbs thoroughly with melted butter and sugar, pressing firmly into the pan to create a compact, stable base that holds together when sliced.
Master Smooth Cheesecake Texture: Beat cream cheese at room temperature and add eggs one at a time, mixing slowly to avoid incorporating too much air, which prevents potential cracking and ensures a silky-smooth consistency.
Control Cinnamon Swirl Technique: Use a thin knife or skewer to create gentle, deliberate swirl patterns without overmixing, maintaining distinct cinnamon ribbons throughout the cheesecake.
Manage Baking Temperature Precision: Use a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the lower oven rack to create humid baking conditions, which helps prevent surface cracking and promotes even cooking of the delicate cheesecake.
Recipe Development, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education
Education
Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.
Ballymaloe Cookery School
Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.
Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget.
Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.
She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.
Liam O’Sullivan
Founder & Culinary Content Creator
Expertise
Recipe Development, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education
Education
Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology
Ballymaloe Cookery School
Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget.
Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.
She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.